The Bellevue Police Department announced that they have arrested 23 people that are in connection with the looting and destruction that took place in downtown Bellevue on May 31, 2020. The riots stemmed from protests over the homicide of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Detectives have identified nearly an additional hundred other suspects that have continued investigations, as well as recovering $50,000 in merchandise. The public shared over 10-thousand pieces of video and photo evidence of the looting and destruction of property.
“That evening, we saw a coordinated attack on Bellevue businesses. The criminals exploited protests over George Floyd’s homicide and used it as an opportunity to loot and destroy businesses,” Chief Steve Mylett said.
Last Friday, the Bellevue Police Department arrested a 26-year-old man from one of the submitted videos. He was arrested on charges of Burglary 2nd, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Dangerous Weapons. Investigators were able to recover $19,000 worth of suspected stolen merchandise, alcohol, and tobacco products. Detectives also confiscated an AK-47, a 10 mm Glock, stockpiles of ammunition, drugs, and cash.
“Bellevue has seen many peaceful protests since Mr. Floyd’s death, and we welcome them all. But the criminals who engaged in the violence are on notice; they won’t get away with it. We have dedicated extensive resources to investigate these crimes and will take as long as necessary to identify and arrest those responsible. I cannot emphasize it enough, the criminal behavior leading to these arrests has absolutely nothing to do with people raising their voices in opposition to Mr. Floyd’s death or demands to end systemic racism,” the Chief added.
The Bellevue Police’s statement suggests that they are just beginning to make arrests in these cases.
The Bellevue Police Chief held a 13 minute press conference to announce the updates in the investigation.
